Amman, Jordan
Going to Petra Kitchen was great but I wasn’t finished my Jordan food exploration. Jordan Tourism also booked me into Beit Sitti, an Amman cooking school in the artists’ neighborhood.
Maria runs the school and named it Beit Sitti because it means “My grandmother’s house” and throughout the house you can see beautiful vintage photos of her grandmother and mother.
I was so excited when Maria told me I would learn how to make my favourite Jordanian food – mouttabal!
As the group was small and I hate peeling potatoes, Mahmoud pitched in and peeled mine to make the siniyet kafta which is kind of like a meat loaf topped with potato and tomatoes.
I always considered myself to be a good cook but I was no match for Aya and her father, from Egypt. Aya was finishing up her Masters at the Sorbonne in Paris and has ambitious plans to take on the world. The girl knows how to make bread.
It was a really nice night of standing around a table, preparing food and laughing about life and everyone’s cooking skills. I really do believe there is no better way to spend a night than around great people and delicious food.
Disclosure: I was a guest of the Jordan Tourism Board, they did not insist that I write a favourable review or ask Mahmoud to also participate in the class.
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
I’m not a cook, but the one cooking class I did take was heaps of fun. This one looks like something great to do in Jordan…
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..The Agony in the Air Con
I don’t think I have ever taken a bad class, it really brings strangers together in a fun way.
What a great idea to do cooking classes when traveling. I should do that sometime. I really wannt to learn how do make a good curry that’s not from a Patak’s jar!
Well you could have learned that in Toronto
Sounds like a wonderful day!
Ahh food! Looks so yummy.
Mica recently posted..Splurging on a luxurious private villa in Bali
You would have loved it.
Great people and delicious food is always a winning combination – no matter where you are!
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There is a chef’s hat waiting for you somewhere!
Oh yes you will be eating all of this at home!
I know so little about Indonesian cuisine that I’m thinking of doing a course in Bali next month. Food and sharing it is such a huge part of so many cultures. Nom nom nom!
I’ve just re-read my comment and think I ought to point out that I realise Jordan is not in Indonesia. Your post inspired me and I got a bit excited that’s all!
Of course
but if you can see if you can find some cooking classes.
I cannot agree more about sitting around a table with good people and good food.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Steak Extravaganza: Restaurant Review – Cervantes II vs Club Eros
And what I like best is that it looks like you and the others were having a whole lotta fun! Never really thought about a cooking class as an activity to do when traveling. But what a great way to delve into the culture.
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I always look for classes. My first was in Chiang Mai but I have done them in a lot of other countries as well.
The only cooking class I have ever done was part of a birthday party full of 25 9 year old argentines. As I am sure you can imagine, it wasn´t that awesome.
The photos and food look delicious!
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Lady you are crazy. What did you make? Empanadas?
What a fun experience!! I love having the opportunity to take regional cooking classes! It’s always so much fun to delve into the culture through food!
jenjenk recently posted..Turkish Souvenirs: Spices, Towels, and Turkish Delights
I took a lot of classes while I was in Toronto – Chinese, French Farmhouse cooking etc. It’s nice to get out on the road and take them.
Wow! Sounds like a lot of fun
I would love to eat some of this food 
It is really amazing, even the vegetarian food is delicious.
I’ve never really experience Jordanian food but that looks outrageously good! Anything topped with potatoes is awesome in my book! I plan to take a few cooking classes on our upcoming rtw. Where else have to taken a cooking class? Any recomendations? We’ll be heading to NZ, Australia and all over Asia! =)
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..6 Free Attractions to See in Buenos Aires
I’ve never had Mouttabal. It looks delicious though!
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I find attending to a cooking course while traveling brings as good (or even better!) experiences than visiting a common sight. You get to mingle, talk and learn something that you can actually take home with you and make part of your daily life.
I attended a thai cooking course in Phuket and loved it! (I’m known for preparing a killer green curry!).
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Fabulous!
Nothing like a good cooking class to really help you explore the culture.
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